Harry Kane is clear about what his next big goal is. The English striker, the new winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, assured that he would be willing to give up the prestigious individual recognition in order to lift the Champions League with Bayern Munich.
The attacker made these statements during the press conference prior to the Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid, which will be played this Tuesday at the Metropolitan stadium.
“Last week’s Ballon d’Or was one of the best feelings I have had in my life and career,” Kane acknowledged. However, he made it clear that collective successes have a special meaning for him.
«Collective trophies are the reason why we play football. The team aspect in our sport is very, very important,” explained the forward, who highlighted the excitement of celebrating a European title with his teammates.
Although he recognized that the Ballon d’Or represents an extraordinary achievement, Kane did not hesitate when asked what he would prefer to achieve.
“I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to get both: we will see what happens,” he said.
Praise for Simeone and a memory of 2019
During the appearance, the English international also thanked Diego Simeone for his praise. The Argentine coach had pointed him out as an example for young footballers for his career, work and perseverance.
Kane acknowledged that his career was marked by different challenges and by the doubts of those who did not believe he could achieve such recognition.
«Winning the Ballon d’Or was a huge achievement for me. “I have had to overcome many challenges in my career, some people did not think I would go this far,” he recalled.
The forward also has a particular history with the Metropolitano. In that stadium he played with Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League final, in which his team lost to Liverpool.
Now he returns to Bayern with the hope of writing a different chapter and beginning the path towards a final that will also take place at the Madrid venue.
“Hopefully we can have a good memory tomorrow,” said Kane, who will also play in the stadium again with England against Spain and hopes to return to play in the European final.
